I had an MDX,X5 and a 4Runner,the Touareg is best by far for comfort, handling and power and also offroad capability.It can require some costly maintenance,but is well worth it.Do yourself a favor and buy one.

My 2006 VW Toureg V10 twin turbo might be my all time favorite vehicle I've ever owned. The seats were like Barko Loungers. It went through the mountains like a hot knife through butter. Believe me, I loved the styling of this year and the fuel economy was excellent for a 6400 lb beast.
I traded it in at the end of its warranty. Not my favorite dealership. We have a new one nearby now. Too little too late.
CON: Oil Change cost was excessive.

Expensive to purchase, expensive to maintain, but that's what you get when you buy a luxury vehicle... performs like a champ on and off road. 14.56s 1/4mi at Waterfest Englishtown NJ. Can crawl over objects on just 2 wheels! Turbos, DPFs, water pump, driveshaft bearings are prone to failure, all of which I've had replaced oh and 2 batterieswill set you back $500. Air suspension is a dream and the included air hose to fill up tires is a bonus. Towed a 2axle 12' enclosed trailer ~70+mph from Boston to Miami and back, most of the time forgetting it was even attached. Enjoy!

I bought a 2006 V6 Touareg (95k miles) about 6 weeks ago. A week after purchase drove to Montreal and back (about 1000 miles) and it was a great road trip. Very comfortable, powerful, great handling. The gas mileage is not very high. I guess the full-time four wheel drive takes its toll. About 200 miles later, and just as I had exceeded the dealers warranty the drive shaft needed replacing! I should have bought the extended warranty. From what I understand, this may be a common problem with the Touareg, so if you are buying a used one, make sure you get the drive shaft checked and/or buy the extended warranty. Overall, I love this car. I just hope that I won't have any more surprises.

This Touareg trim is well known as the T-rex of Touareg lineup. What is not well known is the 23mpg highway economy I actually get, and the 19+ mpg I actually get in town!!
Creature comforts abound, including 4 zone climate control, 4 heated seats, and a beautiful stereo with 12 speakers that sound like a concert hall!
But among the largest and likely about the only pet peeve I have with this vehicle is VW lacking satellite radio or any factory supported interface for it with the factory navigation system. Really?? The flagship VW sport-utility vehicle, made to go anywhere.....wasn't that the whole selling point of satellite radio? Even the lowly golf and rabbit got satellite radio in 2006. Even those without, could add it to their radios. NO, not the Touareg. Some genius at VW figured a 6 disc CD changer (mounted clear in the back of the vehicle) would serve that purpose. The thing won't even support text display from the changer or aux input. Sorry VW, I know the new ones have these features now, but the v10 TDi is no more.
If you can justify buying one of the new RNS-510 navigation units out of a 2010, it will swap right in. So you get built in satellite radio that way. Or if satellite radio just isn't your thing, and you want to put a non-factory supported aux input in for your device (ipod text display not supported) then this is a great vehicle in every other regard. Not trying to be nit-picky but this is a major flaw for those that spend a lot of time on the road!
Power from the engine/transmission is great. This vehicle is quiet as a church mouse on the freeway, and will blissfully and calmly run at 80 mph all day long (in legally allowed states/ areas). The suspension is fantastic in comfort, sport, or automatic mode. Brakes are strong, fade-free, and confidence inspiring. Backup camera system is awesome, and the graphic overlay is spot on for putting this vehicle where you want even when it is new to you. It drives much smaller than it actually is....easy to drive despite it's size.
Be prepared though. This vehicle will cost you substantial money to maintain. Oil capacity is a whopping 13 liters, and it does require special low-ash diesel oil. Read as $12/qt unless you buy in bulk from somewhere like IDParts or similar. Even then, plan on $120+/oil change doing it yourself. $250-300+ at the shop. Be very particular about the oil!!! Failure to use the right oil could cause you to sludge the motor, or plug the diesel particulate filter. Either will cost you thousands! So don't skimp on using the right oil.
If you want a short utility with great mileage, fantastic road manners, amazing creature comforts, fantastic off-road manners and capability, and the ability to tow just about anything (555 lb/ft of torque at 2000rpm), all while getting 23mpg hwy when not towing, and maintenance on VWs strict schedule and price for service don't daunt you...then look no further.
If any of that concerns you, this highly specialized option package of the Touareg may not be the best choice for you.
Just being upfront. Hope this helps those deciding.

I have always like the Touareg but never thought of purchasing one. Well I dumped my Expedition for an 06 Touareg. This was the absolute best trade I could make. The ride is far better than anything that Detroit could put out. I'm currently getting almost 18mpg in the city, far better than the 14mpg with the Expedition. I am a true fan of my VW.